Just an update on Bella Anna... You can still find a few nurseries carrying these as growers still seem to be producing them. And, the product still has its own page hidden on ES's website. But, the product is no longer shown alongside its ES brethren or acknowledged in its product listing. So I guess we can assume it's getting the axe, a.k.a. dropped from the product line. Personal observations over the last 3+ years are that: 1. The plant does not grow as fast as Annabelle. New shoots from the ground are several inches shorter. 2. The blooms are not quite as large (overall) as Annabelle. 3. Old wood stems are not much sturdier than new wood. Old wood with new shoots will fall to the ground under the weight of the new shoots (minus blooms). 4. New shoots coming from old wood will randomly die off throughout the growing season. 5. Nursery specimens have looked leggy and disheveled, which doesn't make the consumer want to buy it. Dr. Mike Dirr's commented in his recent paper about breeding, selection and marketing simply that is has "stems that do not support the inflorescences." My conclusion is that what the folks at ES probably agreed on: There really is no pink Annabelle.

I've only had my GE Profile Induction range PHS925STSS for about a week, but all I can say is AMAZING! I had electric before, and for various reasons did not want gas - I am so happy with this range ! The induction cooktop is wonderful - water boils so quickly, everything cooks so evenly, and you can control the heat so well. Takes a bit getting used to. As for the "buzzing" noise some people complain about - this is a very low buzz when the element first gets turned on, then after you put on your pan and start cooking, I don't hear anything. Please do not negate buying this stove for that reason . The oven is terrific - big (5.3 cu.), cooks very evenly (so far). The only caveat is that when you open the oven door at a high temp., (maybe over 400F) is very hot - so be careful. Just stand back a bit and open the door slowly. Clean up of the cooktop is a breeze - I use one of the cream cleansers for glass cooktops, buff with a paper towel and then if need be I use Perfect Glass spray (from Bath Bed and Beyond). I never had a warming drawer before, and although it is down low, I used it the other night when I had a big dish of roasted veggies to keep warm while I baked some halibut in the oven. It was really nice - just keep them warm. Perfect. I would highly recommend this terrific range. So glad I went induction!

What great news to hear this evening. Continued good thoughts going out to Anna.

OK, so finally getting round to updating what actually happened! First, I made some alterations to the plan based on the feedback from class and input from my husband (he insisted that there still be a grass path so he can drive the mower from the back to the front - oh, practicality). So, took a few feet from the right hand side, altered the path a little bit and added a few new plants. New additions were Canada Anemone and Marsh Marigold. Along with a swamp buttercup, because my boys liked it a lot when we went to the Farmer's market, and I'm a push over (also thought it might work).